By Tara Murray
Rivergum just fell short of pulling off a big run chase against the Cobras in the North Metro Cricket Association Jika Shield on the weekend.
The game came down to the final ball, with the Kookas needing four runs and the Cobras needing a wicket for victory.
Neither happened, with the two teams having to settle for a draw.
Kookas captain-coach Matt Perri said it was a good effort to get so close to getting the win.
With a number of overs lost on day one of the match, the Cobras resumed their innings on day two.
They batted out the full 80 overs, making 9-237.
Kyl Ewart took three wickets for the Kookas. Perri said their bowling had been inconsistent so far this season.
With the Cobras batting all their overs, it left the Kookas 65 overs to make the runs.
Perri said it was a hard decision whether they played for the draw or win.
“We started off shaky and then in the middle of the innings, we were well on top.
“We then lost wickets at the wrong time. I went out late and then we lost another wicket.”
The Kookas were left with the equation of needing a boundary off the final ball with number 11 James Ramadge on strike.
“On the last ball we orbited the mission to get the win,” Perri said.
“The number 11 was facing and he hadn’t been getting bat on ball.”
The Kookas failed to make the runs, finishing on 9-234.
Perri top scored with 98.
He said had he not gone out when he did, the result may have been different.
The Kookas sit 1-1-1 after three rounds.
For Perri, it’s a good starting point to build the season.
“We had quite a few players out and it’s good signs for us,” he said.
“It’s been good to get a few games into the younger ones, they’ve earned their opportunities.
“It’s probably been our best start to a season for the last four or five years. Last year we were 1-3.”
Rivergum faces early leaders Preston YCW District this week.
Perri said they were hoping to get at least three players back this week.
“We’re getting close to full strength,’ he said.
“Now we’re starting to get list together, we can start to build.”
